Spiritual Darkness
Ephesians 6:10-12
Paul describes the cosmic powers over this present darkness as the spiritual forces of evil.
Spiritually speaking, we exist in a place of darkness where the world is following the way of destruction. Additionally, the spiritual forces of evil are working to oppress those who live in the world.
Knowing we are either in the light or in the dark, what do you believe happens spiritually when we make no effort to seek the light?
Or when we choose to stay in the darkness?
We choose darkness by following the desires of the flesh. In Galatians 5 it is partially described as any kind of sexual immorality. Idolatry (including sports). Envy. Jealousy. Anger. Division. Drunkenness.
The fact is, when we choose any way OTHER THAN GOD’S WAY, we are turning our backs to the light and embracing the very thing we from which we have been saved.
Every choice we make in attitude, thought or behavior is a choice to offend God (Embracing the darkness) or glorify Him. (seeking the light)
2 Corinthians 4:4 “In their case the god of this world has blinded the minds of the unbelievers, to keep them from seeing the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God.”
In the same way Satan intentionally tries to keep the light from those who are perishing, we must intentionally reveal the light to a world that has been blinded and is being held captive.
Refuting the Darkness
In John 8:12, Jesus declared He was the light of the world.
Not only was Jesus physically present as the exact image of the invisible God,
He brought light into the world as the perfect righteousness of God that we might not perish in the darkness.
Let us be reminded, Jesus was not created as a response to the darkness, God the Son has always been.
John 1:1-5, 14
Knowing Jesus and the Word are the same, we can read this passage as:
In the beginning was Jesus, and Jesus was with God and Jesus was God.
Now, What do we know about baby Jesus, who was born in the manger?
He existed before creation, He was with God at creation and He IS God!
We sing the Christmas song, “What Child is this?” Which describes the life that would follow “the babe, the Son of Mary”, but it profoundly proclaims Him to be Christ the King and the King of Kings who brings salvation.
Therefore, we do not celebrate the baby who would become the Messiah, we celebrate the Messiah who came as a baby.
From verses 1, 2 and 3 - Jesus was God, was with God in the beginning and was the Creator of all things.
That is quite a claim! Jesus is divine, eternal, and all powerful. Because of His nature, He is uniquely qualified to be the Savior.
Jesus is unique because He is before all and above all. He is not only the perfect sacrifice; He is the perfect Judge that required that sacrifice!
In John 14:6, When Jesus said, I am the way, the truth and the life – He declared with all authority in Heaven and earth that He is the ONLY way, the ONLY truth and the ONLY life and no one comes to the Father except THROUGH Him.
The all-powerful Creator who is perfectly righteous and holy determines the only acceptable way to the Father, reveals the truth of God and gives eternal life.
We do not celebrate the miracle of life as seen in the lowly manger; we worship the giver of life who lowered Himself to the manger.
In verse 4, In Jesus was life and the life was the light of men.
Darkness leads to destruction, but life and light are available to those who seek Him.
He is the Savior who gives life and the Lord who leads in the light.
You and I cannot have one without the other.
He will not be our Savior who permits us to walk in darkness,
nor will He be our Lord who refuses to give life.
1 John 1:6 “If we say we have fellowship with him while we walk in darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth.”
John 8:12 Jesus said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.”
Lastly, “The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it”.
The light is distinct and with purpose. In the same way light shines in the physical darkness, the light of life shines in the spiritual darkness to reveal truth, to give sight and provide a way to be reconciled to God.
More importantly, the power of light always exceeds the powers of darkness and it cannot be overcome.
We do not honor a baby who was born into this world of darkness; we glorify the King who has pierced the darkness!
In John 3:19-20, Jesus told Nicodemus,
"And this is the judgment: the light has come into the world, and people loved the darkness rather than the light because their works were evil. For everyone who does wicked things hates the light and does not come to the light, lest his works should be exposed."
Have you taken the steps toward light?
Are you choosing to dwell in the darkness?
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